BASF inaugurates electronic-grade sulfuric acid plant in China

• Produces highest quality sulfuric acid (H2SO4) used in semiconductor manufacturing processes
• Meets growing demand from semiconductor industry in China, with expansion already underway before completion of facility
• Expanded capacities meet key industry requirements: fast ramp-up to mass production, reliable supply and consistent quality

Shanghai, China – May 30, 2018 – BASF today started operations at a new electronic-grade sulfuric acid (H2SO4) plant in Jiaxing, China, to serve the country’s growing semiconductor manufacturing industry. Driven by strong demand from customers, the plant has simultaneously started its expansion phase to double the production capacity before the completion of the facility. The expansion phase is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

“The new electronic-grade sulfuric acid plant in China is another step forward in our continued growth and expansion in China’s electronics market,” said Boris Jenniches, Vice President of Business Management at BASF Electronic Materials Asia Pacific. “China has already become one of the largest semiconductor markets in the world and is continuing to grow. We are excited to be a part of this momentum and will remain committed to getting closer to our customers and providing them with fast-track ramp-up of chemical solutions, reliable supply, and consistent quality.”

Located at the seaport town of Zhapu, Zhejiang Province, southwest of Shanghai, the new plant is equipped with the latest technology to produce the highest-quality sulfuric acid. This will primarily be used during hundreds of cleaning cycles that semiconductor wafers go through in the making of microchips designed in single-digit nodes measuring less than 10 nanometers. It houses advanced quality analysis equipment, and an analytics lab with a dedicated cleanroom, to accommodate the future needs of electronics customers in China.

The performance level of the sulfuric acid produced at BASF facility in Jiaxing exceeds the standard requirements for today’s fastest, highest-performing semiconductors, with best-in-class quality and consistency. The intricate architecture of the production process, along with the quality management expertise implemented in the Jiaxing plant, are achieved through BASF’s comprehensive global network of R&D and production expertise.

As a leading supplier of electronic materials, BASF provides a wide variety of solutions for the electronics industry, ranging from its portfolio of specialty chemicals that have been processed through high-purity, advanced methods, to applications and customized solutions.

About BASF Electronic Materials Asia Pacific
BASF Electronic Materials business unit serves the growing Asia Pacific market in the fields of semiconductor and display manufacturing, lighting, photovoltaics, and metal systems. Dedicated to creating chemistry with customers to innovate the future of electronics for over 30 years, BASF Electronic Materials is embedded in the culture of delivering quality excellence, reliable services, and innovative solutions through its exceptional capabilities in R&D, production, logistics & supply management, and marketing intelligence.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.